Former Newcastle striker was impressed with Andros Townsend's contribution.

Alan Shearer felt Andros Townsend made a valuable contribution to Newcastle United's draw against Manchester City last night.

Townsend was substituted with minutes remaining after a battling performance, and former Newcastle star Shearer felt he made his quality felt.

Vurnon Anita scored the vital equaliser for Newcastle to cancel out Sergio Aguero's early strike, and close the gap to 17th placed Norwich City to just two points.

Shearer told BBC Radio 5 Live: "Andros Townsend has been the one that has given them hope and tonight he's been full of energy, plenty of crosses from the right-hand side. A well deserved round of applause for him."

Townsend joined the club from Tottenham Hotspur in January after falling out of favour at White Hart Lane, and has fought hard to make an impact.

The 24-year-old has three goals and two assists in nine appearances, and put in an excellent cross early on against City which a rusty Papiss Cisse could not take advantage of.

With Wijnaldum left on the bench and looking dangerous when he came on, Rafa Benitez has real competition for places at last, and if the team play with the intensity and quality they did against Champions League semi finalists Manchester City then they have a real chance of avoiding relegation.

Shearer went on to add that while he was hopeful Newcastle will get a result against Liverpool in their next match, he was not greatly optimistic it will be a fruitful match for the team.

"Liverpool have a midweek game, I would imagine that Jurgen Klopp would change his team around against Newcastle, which might or might not benefit us.

"The Liverpool guys that will come in will be fresh and raring to go. I'd be surprised if we got anything from Anfield. The Crystal Palace game is a must have three points and the Aston Villa game is a must-win three points.

"We've got to win those games if we are to have a chance. I'm sure he'll [Rafa Benitez] get a tremendous reception from the Liverpool fans. All he can ask is that his players show the same belief as they have tonight and if they can nick a point, catch Liverpool on a bad day he'll be delighted with that."

Dan Coombs

Dan Coombs is a writer who is keen to embrace the internet revolution. He first started writing for us in June 2011 and commenced his new role as Sports Editor in February 2012.
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